Hi, good evening, everyone!

Lately, I have been reading a number of Chinese novels that are being translated into English. You can check them out via shusheng bar. 

To tell you the truth, I often have a hard time finding a novel or a manga that I like because I am a very picky reader. I like the main characters to have a certain attitude or charms that you can't find in any other books. I don't like the cutesy male, the crybaby girls, the abusive bastard, a too-much-play and not serious about life type of guy. 

I prefer guys who are a bit more mysterious, straightforward in their confession and intention, persuaive but not agressive, and last but not least, sly but not overly manipulative.

So after reading and searching, here are a few of the novels that I could recommend to you:

1. Just One Smile is Very Alluring by Gu Man

Review of the Book: Just One Smile is Very Alluring

English Translation: Just One Smile is Very Alluring English Translation

Opinion: Xiao Nai is always chosen as one of the most beloved characters by the Chinese fans. When I was reading it, I was a bit skeptical as to why do the readers love him so much. After I finish all the chapters and move on to another books, Xiao Nai constantly lingers in my head. I can't really describe his character because I feel like my description wouldn't do him much justice because he is just that awesome. Definitely a must-read! Oh, and they are starting to film the movie/drama version with my favorite C-actor, Yang Yang! Woot! So excited!

2. Heavy Sweetness, Ash-Like Frost by Dian Xian

Review of the Book: Heavy Sweetness, Ash-Like Frost

English Translation: Heavy Sweetness, Ash-Like Frost English Translation

Opinion: This is one of the earliest translation that I read. And urmf! I love it! The girl is so, so *cough* insensitive, but can't really blame her because her mother fed her the Unfeeling Pill upon her birth. The two male leads, Xu Feng and Ren Yu are so difficult to choose from. Perhaps the Chinese fans love Ren Yu more because he is very pitiful towards the end. But my love ultimately goes to Xu Feng! He still tops the list of my favorite lead character in the Chinese novels! One is a scheming man, the other wholeheartedly give his love to the girl. Well, you gotta read to find out who you love more and tell me in the end *wink

3. Fated Marriage by Big Grey Wolf with Wings

Review of the Book: Fated Marriage

English Translation: Fated Marriage English Translation

Opinion: Sooo.... Maybe some people will disagree with my choice. The book is about a brotherhood of six who owns a company. Chinese fans love the first brother story in Bloom, while most i-fans love the third brother romance in Go With the Flow of Love. However, I pick the youngest brother story, Fated Marriage, not only because of the moral that it taught me, but also because of the second pairings. Qin Song and Han Ting Ting are sweet and adorable, but through the parents, Qin Yun and Zhang Yu, I learnt about sacrifices and how to love without holding back. It's a happy ending, but I still suggest you to prepare a box of tissues, just in case you are also a softie like me.

4. Union of Enemies by Xiao Yao Hong Chen

English Translation: Union of Enemies English Translation

Opinion: Zhen Lang and Gu Jing, childhood enemies with a complex relationship. Even when I am writing this, I am silently fangirling, because God, can you give me a man like Zhen Lang? Everytime I read something about him, I swoon more than I did with any other character. Zhen Lang is like a secret protector of the girl, silently caring and watching. This is one of the novels that turn me into a giggling mess because of the sweet mushy scenes. 

5. Silent Separation by Gu Man

Review of the Book: Silent Separation

English Translation: Silent Separation English Translation

Opinion: Here it is. The man who tops the list of Chinese-fans' most loved characters: He Yi Chen. He is passive-agressive, he is sarcastic, he is passionate, his love is consuming. Admittedly, I still love Just One Smile is Very Alluring more. Probably because I am a university student and therefore, relates more to the relationship between Xiao Nai and Wei Wei rather than the complexity and complicated love of Yi Chen and Mo Sheng. For some reason, girls just go crazy over Yi Chen. Yes, he is very protective. Yes, he is super devoted. And not to mention, dominant. 

Another thing I think worth mentioning is the ability of Gu Man, the author, to bring these characters out to life. Like Xiao Nai, I didn't feel much for Yi Chen until the moment I finish the book. Her characters and writings hit you hard the moment it's over. It's as if you just lost something and there is this emptiness inside because you can't read more about them.

6. Really, Really Miss You by Mo Bao Fei Bao

Review of the Book: Really, Really Miss You

English Translation: Really, Really Miss You

Opinion: Another character that is "flesh" out of the book. Sometimes, I swear it feels like QingCheng is right there beside me and whispered those words with that alluring voice of his. Creepy, yes, but you have to understand that this book is about voice actors who come together in real life (it's like Just One Smile is Very Alluring but with different occupations). It's sweet, endearing and adorable. If you love Xiao Nai, I think you will love Mo QingCheng, too. My two Dashen (-Great Gods) hahahaha.

P.S: I can read Chinese, but I have very limited vocabularies, so I am better off reading the translation just in case I misunderstand the meanings behind those words. Also, I might do a Part 2 of this if someone ask, because there are more recommendations I can give out for Chinese novels. Happy reading!